Tension-free Vaginal Tape (TVT) treatment for stress
incontinence
Stress incontinence
Stress incontinence is when urine leaks because there is a
sudden, extra pressure or 'stress' on the bladder. Stress
incontinence develops because the pelvic floor muscles are
weakened. In the majority of cases among women, the most common
reason for these muscles to become weakened is childbirth.
Small amounts of urine may leak, but sometimes it can be
significant, causing embarrassment and discomfort. Urine tends to
leak most when coughing, sneezing, laughing, or when exercising
(e.g. jumping or running).
Stress incontinence is the most common form of urinary
incontinence and it is estimated that as many as a third of British
women who have had children suffer from the condition. It is also
more common with increasing age as the muscles become weaker,
particularly after the menopause. Stress incontinence is also more
common in women who are overweight.
The usual first treatment is to strengthen the pelvic floor
muscles. However, specialist surgery may also be advised if the
problem persists and pelvic floor exercises have not worked
well.
TVT treatment
TVT stands for tension-free vaginal tape and is believed to be
the most safe and effective type of sub-urethral tape operations
currently available to women.
The TVT procedure basically works by supporting the middle of
the urethra (the tube that urine flows out from the bladder) with a
tape-like strip of synthetic mesh, to stop urine leakage.
The treatment usually takes approximately 30 minutes – and can
be performed under a light general anaesthetic or a regional block
(an epidural).Since the tape used in a TVT procedure will not
stretch, the treatment is not recommended for women who may become
pregnant.
An incision is made on the front wall of the vagina of about 2cm
long (just underneath the urethra), while two more incisions are
also made at the level of the pubic hair line.
The tape is carried on needles which are passed upwards from the
vagina so the tape is positioned under and supports the middle part
of the urethra. That means that when you cough or sneeze, the top
half of the urethra leading up to the bladder moves, but the bottom
half remains still. This creates a kink in the tube which stops
urine leaking out.
Once in place, the effect of the tape is enough to stop
accidental leakage but not enough to stop women from going to the
toilet normally.
Patients may be able to go home just a few hours after the
procedure. The recovery period is short and patients should be able
to continue with normal daily activities within two weeks.
However, patients may be advised to avoid heavy lifting and
intercourse for 4 weeks.
Information provided by Mr Clive Spence-Jones FRCS FRCOG,
Consultant Gynaecologist and Obstetrician
Contact details
Mr Clive Spence-Jones FRCS FRCOG, Consultant Gynaecologist and
Obstetrician
tel 020 7935 4444 ext. 6101
fax 020 7486 2580
info@thelondonclinic.co.uk